Whether your child eagerly reaches for chapter books or needs encouragement to open one, these simple ideas can help you create reading moments they look forward to.

Start With Their Interests

A child who loves animals might enjoy a funny pet story. A reader fascinated by mysteries might be drawn to clues, puzzles, and unexpected discoveries.

Ask what they would like to read about, then offer a few choices. Picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction, and chapter books can all have a place in their reading life.

Reading level is one consideration. The subject, format, and maturity of the story matter, too. Look for books that feel approachable while giving your child something interesting to explore.

Attach Reading to Something You Already Do

Choose a familiar part of your day: after breakfast, during an afternoon break, or before bed.

Begin with an amount of time that feels manageable for your family. You might share one picture book or read a chapter together. A routine you can comfortably repeat is easier to maintain.

Keep a small basket of books nearby so getting started takes very little preparation.

Keep Reading Together

Independent reading does not have to replace shared reading.

Take turns reading pages, read aloud while your child draws, or enjoy a story together after the schoolwork is finished. Older children can enjoy being read to as well.

Let conversation happen naturally. You might ask which character surprised them or what they think will happen next. Some days, simply enjoying the story together is enough.

Make Room for Favorite Books

A book does not have to be new to be worth reading.

Children often return to familiar stories because they love the characters, illustrations, humor, or comfort of knowing what comes next.

Keep those favorites within reach while introducing new choices alongside them. A personal bookshelf can hold both well-loved stories and adventures waiting to be discovered.

Give Them Something to Look Forward To

A library visit, choosing the next family read-aloud, or receiving a book in the mail can add anticipation to your routine.

For families who enjoy discovering books at home, an Owl Post Books book club offers handpicked selections delivered each month. Options include Imagination Minis with one book and Imagination Boxes with three books, with age groups from babies through YA readers.

Every book is theirs to keep, giving readers new choices for their growing home library.

Explore Owl Post Books for Your Family

Owl Post Books was founded in 2017 and is owned by an educator with 18 years of teaching experience. Our book clubs help families discover stories for readers at different ages and stages.

Choose monthly, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription options, with free subscription shipping. Holiday gift shoppers can also select their first holiday ship date at checkout.

Explore our book clubs and holiday gifts:
https://www.owlpostbooks.com/holiday-gifts

However you build your routine, leave room for your reader’s interests. A comfortable spot, an inviting book, and a little time together are a lovely place to begin.

School of Rock Greenville brings music to life with programs for ages 3 through Adult. With instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals, students can discover their first instrument or take their existing skills to the next level.

Our performance-based approach combines private instruction with band rehearsals in select programs, giving students the opportunity to learn songs, collaborate, and perform together. Along the way, they build confidence, make friends, and become part of a supportive musical community.

Tier 1 Pre-enrollment is now open! Become a Headliner Founding Member by November 14 and receive a waived $149 registration fee, a $100 gift card, a Headliner T-shirt, a swag bag, and scheduling preference, subject to availability.

One refundable $250 deposit reserves your whole family’s spot—even with multiple students! Your deposit will be credited toward your first month’s tuition, or refunded if the program isn’t the right fit.

Program Info at a glance...

• Little Wing | Ages 3–5: Playful music activities introduce rhythm, melody, and instruments while building listening and teamwork skills.

• Rookies | Ages 6–7: Students explore guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals in a group setting while learning musical fundamentals.

• Rock 101 | Ages 8–13: Beginner to intermediate students build foundational skills through a weekly 30-minute private lesson and 2–3-hour band rehearsal.

• Performance | Ages 8–18, based on readiness: Students develop their skills through a weekly 30-minute private lesson and 2–3-hour band rehearsal, preparing for live shows at real venues.

• Adult Program | Ages 18+: Adults learn and grow as musicians while rehearsing with a band and preparing for live performances.

• Lessons Only | Typically ages 7–adult: Weekly 30-minute private lessons provide personalized instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keys, or vocals.

• House Band | Eligible youth students, by audition: Selected students represent School of Rock Greenville through additional rehearsals and performances at community events and venues.

Enroll + More Information on Programs & Pricing Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/262937071757063

Website for Greenville Location Here: https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/greenville

🤘 Find your instrument. Find your band. Find your people.

At the end of the day, many parents want the same thing: to raise happy, capable and confident children. There is so much pressure for the modern day parent. One of the pressures that parents are faced with is the feeling that it is our job to keep our children entertained and happy every moment of the day. 

Why Screens Are So Tempting

The reality is that we are often tired and overwhelmed. We are pulled in a million different directions everyday- juggling work, laundry, meals, relationships, our own health, community involvement, and countless responsibilities that come with our everyday lives. And on top of that, we are trying to raise kind, resilient and capable children. Are they eating enough healthy foods? Are they meeting developmental milestones? Do they have friends? Are they getting enough movement and free play? Then there’s the question we all wrestle with: Are they getting too much screentime?

First of all, pat yourself on the back: you’re doing it! You are clearly a concerned and loving parent if you are looking into how to best support your child’s development. That’s the first step! Whether your child has unlimited access to screens or a daily schedule you want to reduce, I’ve got you covered. 

Remember, this isn’t an all or nothing situation. We live in a society that puts everything on a screen. For many families, completely disconnecting from screens isn’t possible. Our goal is to be thoughtful about our child’s screentime and to understand how screens impact our child’s development.

What Children Miss When Screens Replace Play

How are screens impacting our children’s development? Here’s the part that often surprises parents. The problem occurs when screens replace learning opportunities for children. Screens themselves aren’t the enemy. The concern begins when screens replace everyday experiences that help children learn, connect and grow. Children learn best through play, interactions and experiences. When we hand children a screen each time they declare they are bored, they are missing out on opportunities to develop important skills.

When screens replace play and interaction, children have fewer opportunities to build skills such as:

*fine motor: think grasping a pencil, buttoning clothing
*gross motor: large and core muscles- the ability to safely climb playground equipment
*attention: ability to sit still and listen while an adult explains something or reads a book
*problem solving: working through difficult tasks 
*emotional regulation: building a tolerance for discomfort and the realization that discomforts end 
*speech and language: a child’s vocabulary, conversation skills, ability to ask and answer simple questions
*creativity: building a strong imagination and thinking outside the box

The Good News: You Don't Have to Eliminate Screens

Children learn routines quickly. By this time, your child may expect a screen at certain times. Maybe your child knows that the grocery store, a restaurant, the waiting room of a doctor’s office, or a car ride means screentime. Once a child expects a good thing, adults can expect that children will let us know when we fail to provide that. For younger kids, that usually means an emotional breakdown (read: child throws a fit). So…how do we as parents preserve our mental health AND begin to decrease our child’s screentime? The answer is surprisingly simple: start small.

Let’s agree to get rid of the idea that our kids won’t have access to screens at all. We are simply decreasing the amount of time they spend on them.

Start Small

If you normally give your child a device when you strap them into a grocery cart, your goal isn’t going to be to get through a 45-minute grocery shopping trip screen-free. Your goal is to start the errand without a device. Set your first goal, maybe that is to get through 5 minutes without a device. Or maybe to make it through the produce section without a device in your child’s hands. You can do that! And so can your child, with a little practice and consistency.

Step One: Set the Expectation

You’re going to set the scene ahead of time. Let them know the plan. You may say, “The device is going to stay in the bag until we get to the bread aisle,” or “We are going to set a 5 minute timer. When the timer goes off, we can get the device out of our bag.” Timers are my favorite, especially for younger children. Children tend to respond better to a timer because it’s the timer- and not the adult- that is signaling it’s time for a transition. This usually causes less frustration from the child. You can even give them a little control and ask them, “Should we set the timer for 5 minutes or 6 minutes?”

Step Two: Stay Consistent

Do exactly what you said. This is key. You must show your child that they can trust what you say. If you promise the device after the timer goes off, the device comes out after the timer goes off, not before and not a minute after. This is part of building a child’s resilience and emotional regulation. If your child is upset because they can’t have their device immediately, you can acknowledge their frustration, AND hold your boundary. Will this always be easy? No. Will your child react in the same way each time? Probably not. They are humans. Some days they will be more tired, hungry, or frustrated. That’s OK. That doesn’t mean this isn’t working. It just means they are humans having human emotions. 

Is this worth it? Yes. 

Remind yourself: every time you do this, you are teaching your child something much bigger than how to get through a grocery store without a device. You are teaching your child patience, flexibility, trust, and confidence that they can handle difficult and uncomfortable moments. These are important life skills that have reach far beyond that of screen time. 

You don’t have to ignore your child’s feelings while holding the boundary. You can offer them comfort and acknowledge their disappointment. Stay calm and stick with the plan. This could look like, “I know you are sad that you can’t have the device right now. I get sad when I can’t have things I want, too. When the timer goes off, we will get your device out.” It’s ok to continue shopping. Your child may be sad. They may be mad. As long as they are safe, remind yourself that it will be OK. The moment the timer goes off, you say, “Oh, our timer is going off! It’s time to get the device out!” Your child has now learned: they can trust what you say, they can survive 5 minutes of this activity without a device in their hands, and they can endure moments of emotional discomfort.

Lay on the Praise

“You did it! I know that wasn’t easy. I’m so proud of you for waiting until the timer went off.” You are praising their resilience and isn’t that one of life’s most important skills? We will all face difficulities in life. Being resilient allows us to push through those tough moments.

If your child was especially upset, continue this practice with the 5 minute timer set several times before extending the time. Be sure to set the scene prior to the screen-free time everytime. For your comfort, you may start this practice at home; that way, you’re not concerned about being in public with your child having a hard time; that’ll just stress you out even more.

If your child handled the 5-minutes-screen-free like a champ-and they likely will eventually-you can bump up the timer next time! You decide the time-maybe it’s 7 minutes this time, maybe it’s 10. Eventually, my friends, you and your child can make it through outings for longer periods of time without a device. It may feel like it takes a long time to reach your goal. It may take 3 months-maybe 6 months to get to your goal, but don’t get discouraged. STAY CONSISTENT and DO WHAT YOU SAY. If you follow those two guidelines, you will find success. 

Progress Over Perfection

Remember, the goal isn’t to go from 5 hours a day of screentime to zero hours. The goal is to find a healthy balance so your child has plenty of opportunities to grow, play, connect and learn away from screens. With your loving support and small, consistent changes, your child can become less reliant on screens over time. They will discover they can cope during moments of discomfort, live through moments of boredom, enjoy diving into imaginative play, appreciate connecting with you and others and even learn the valuable skill of waiting. Sometimes those moments will be tough for you and for your child, but that’s where the growth happens. And when you and your child put in the work, you will start to see something wonderful-you’ll watch as their confidence, resilience, creativity, and independence grow. And that? That’s priceless.

About Empowering Kids Pediatric Therapy

At Empowering Kids, we partner with families to support children’s communication, development, and independence through pediatric speech-language and occupational therapy. Through our blog, we share practical, evidence-based ideas to help families support their children’s growth at home.

At Sams Tutoring Online, we believe exceptional education begins with something far more powerful than textbooks, worksheets, or test scores: a child's confidence.

What makes us different? We don't simply teach subjects. We build relationships, nurture confidence, and help students discover what they're truly capable of achieving. Our philosophy is simple: Praise the child, the achievement will follow.

Our tutors aren't just knowledgeable educators. Every member of our team holds a graduate-level degree and brings the patience, enthusiasm, kindness, and expertise necessary to make learning an exciting, positive experience. We specialize in individualized, one-on-one K–12 literacy and mathematics instruction for neurodivergent, neurotypical, and gifted learners, recognizing that no two students learn exactly alike.

We don't believe in forcing children into a one-size-fits-all educational system. Instead, we adapt our teaching methods to fit each child's unique strengths, challenges, and learning style. Our lessons are engaging, energetic, and designed to help students experience those incredible "Aha! I CAN do this!" moments.

Perhaps most importantly, we believe quality education should be accessible and affordable. We work closely with families, celebrate every accomplishment, and measure success not only through academic improvement but also through the confidence, independence, and enthusiasm our students develop along the way.

At Sams Tutoring Online, we don't just change grades. We change how children see themselves as learners.

And that can change everything.

Sams Tutoring Online — Changing students' outcomes, one life at a time.

🌐 Visit our website to learn more.

📞 501-306-9595

Praise the child, the achievement will follow.

The crunch of frozen ground beneath our boots. The sparkle of frost on bare branches. The excitement of discovering animal tracks, breaking the ice on a puddle, or seeing our breath in the cold morning air.

The warmth of a crackling fire, a steaming cup of tea between cold hands, and the pleasure of sharing a homemade meal with friends beneath the open sky.

Every season has its own pleasures, but winter brings a special kind of beauty. The landscape grows quieter, the air becomes crisp, and familiar places take on an entirely different character. A garden that was overflowing with vegetables just a few months earlier now rests beneath the frost, while the animals grow their winter coats and settle into the changing rhythm of the season.

Here in Idaho, we're fortunate to live in a place where the outdoors is part of everyday life. From summer days along rivers and lakes to autumn hikes, snowy mountain adventures, and bright winter mornings, each season offers something worth experiencing.

In Norway, there's a concept called friluftsliv, meaning roughly "open-air living." It's the simple idea that spending time outdoors is part of a good life, whatever the season. It's a philosophy that feels right at home in Idaho.

And perhaps one of the loveliest things about spending time outdoors throughout the year is how familiar we become with the changing seasons.

A puddle we splashed through yesterday becomes a sheet of ice today. Frost reveals delicate patterns on leaves and fences. Bare branches expose birds' nests hidden all summer. The first snowfall transforms familiar paths, while animal tracks tell stories of creatures that passed through before we arrived.

Children who spend time outdoors throughout the year witness these changes firsthand. They notice how the garden changes as temperatures fall, how animals adapt to the cold, and how the landscape continues to change even during the quietest months. The familiar becomes new again with every season.

And there are benefits beyond the discoveries themselves.

Natural daylight helps regulate our circadian rhythms, influencing sleep, energy, and mood. During winter's shorter days, time outdoors gives us an opportunity to experience the daylight that's available, even beneath cloudy skies.

Research has also connected children's contact with nature to physical activity and mental well-being. A 2021 systematic review published in Pediatrics, examining 296 studies, found positive associations between time in nature and children's health, particularly physical activity and mental well-being.

Winter offers plenty of opportunities for movement, too. Walking across uneven or frozen ground, climbing, balancing, carrying firewood, tending animals, and exploring a landscape transformed by the season all engage our bodies in different ways.

There's satisfaction in accomplishing something on a cold morning, whether it's carrying feed to the goats, collecting eggs, or discovering how to navigate a slippery patch of ground. Along the way, children develop resourcefulness, confidence, independence, and a growing awareness of their own abilities.

They also become more familiar with their own needs. They learn when another layer would feel good, when it's time to warm up, and how to adapt as the weather changes throughout the day.

There's a saying we particularly like: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Warm layers, wool socks, waterproof boots, and weather-appropriate outerwear make an enormous difference in how comfortably we can enjoy the outdoors. It's much the same preparation we make for a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring Idaho's mountains in winter.

At Urban Green Harvest, we follow the seasons and adjust our daily rhythm with the weather. We also have sheltered spaces available when conditions call for them. With a little preparation and the right clothing, there's so much to enjoy about spending winter outdoors.

As autumn gives way to winter on our homestead, the rhythm of our days changes.

The garden rests, but the farm is still full of life. Our goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and other animals still need daily care. Water troughs freeze, eggs need collecting, and there's always something that needs doing.

Our outdoor kitchen continues preparing warm breakfasts, hearty soups, and homemade lunches. The fire becomes a gathering place for tea, stories, conversations, and time spent together.

There are muddy boots, rosy cheeks, cold noses, warm hands, and the satisfaction of a day well spent outdoors.

And as the weeks pass, the children experience winter in all its variety. The first hard frost, the changing light, the occasional snowfall, and the return of a sunny afternoon that feels almost like spring. Each day brings something a little different, even in the same familiar place.

There's something valuable about growing up familiar with the seasons. About knowing what a cold morning feels like, noticing when the days begin to lengthen, and understanding that the natural world continues its work even in the quietest months of the year.

Winter is a season of discovery, connection, warmth, and wonder, with its own pleasures and possibilities.

Childhood doesn't have an off-season. And neither should our appreciation for the world around us.

❄️ Winter Farm School Enrollment Is Open!

Our Winter Semester (December-February) is just around the corner!

Urban Green Harvest welcomes children ages 4–12 for a fully outdoor, screen-free, child-led Farm School experience in Boise, Idaho.

❄️ Winter Semester Savings

Enroll before December 1 to take advantage of our winter semester discounts!

• 5% off full-semester enrollment.

• Up to 3 payments for flexibility.

• An additional 5% off when paying the semester in full.

Core Day: 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
Extended Day: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Homemade meals and snacks are included according to the schedule selected.

For homeschooling parents and educators, this simple activity can transform an ordinary lesson into a deeper learning experience. Instead of asking students only to read, listen, memorize, and complete assignments, we can encourage them to become teachers themselves. When children know they will have to explain something to another person, they often approach learning differently. They pay closer attention, organize information more carefully, and begin thinking about the questions someone else might ask.

Educational researchers call one part of this phenomenon the protégé effect: the idea that preparing to teach, or taking responsibility for another learner's understanding, can improve the teacher's own learning. Teaching also encourages retrieval practice, elaboration, self-explanation, and metacognition—thinking about what we know and what we still need to understand.

What Happens in the Brain When Students Teach?

Learning is not simply about placing information into the brain. It is about creating meaningful connections between ideas and being able to retrieve and apply those ideas later. When a student explains a historical event, scientific principle, or mathematical equation to someone else, they must do more than recognize the correct answer on a worksheet.

They have to retrieve information from memory, arrange it into a logical sequence, translate complicated concepts into understandable language, and connect new information to knowledge their audience already possesses. These activities require active mental effort, which can strengthen understanding and make weaknesses in knowledge easier to recognize.

For example, a student studying the American Revolution might remember that the Boston Tea Party occurred in 1773. But when asked to teach their family why the protest happened, they must explain taxation, representation, British colonial policy, and the growing conflict between Britain and its American colonies. The date becomes part of a much larger story rather than an isolated fact.

The same principle applies to science, mathematics, language arts, and career education. A child who can explain why an experiment works, how to solve a fraction problem, or what causes a disease has demonstrated a more

 meaningful level of understanding than someone who can merely repeat a memorized answer.

Importantly, the benefits do not come from speaking alone. They come from the mental work involved in preparing, retrieving, explaining, questioning, and correcting understanding.

Two Scientific Studies That Show Why Teaching Helps Students Remember

The research provides encouraging evidence that teaching others is an effective learning strategy, particularly when students know beforehand that they will be teaching. Although it is not scientifically accurate to promise that students will remember a fixed percentage of everything they teach, controlled studies have measured meaningful improvements in comprehension and retention.

Students Who Taught Remembered More After One Week

In 2013, researchers Logan Fiorella and Richard E. Mayer published The Relative Benefits of Learning by Teaching and Teaching Expectancy in Contemporary Educational Psychology.

Students learned about the Doppler effect, a scientific principle explaining how the observed frequency of sound or light changes with movement. Some studied normally, others prepared to teach, and another group prepared and delivered a recorded explanation.

The students who actually taught performed significantly better than the ordinary-study group both immediately and after one week. The preparation-only group's advantage was significant immediately but not after a week. These are standardized effect sizes rather than percentage increases, and the experiment involved a specific lesson rather than every school subject.

For parents, the lesson is important: asking a child to explain a subject aloud may do more for lasting understanding than simply asking them to read it again.

Five Fun Ways Parents Can Turn Their Students Into Teachers

1. Make Your Student the Teacher for Ten Minutes

After a lesson, give your child ten minutes to teach the family what they learned. Provide a whiteboard, paper, or household objects as teaching aids. Encourage them to explain the subject without reading directly from their notes. For younger children, a three-minute lesson is a great beginning.

2. Let Your Child Create the Quiz

Instead of parents always asking the questions, have students create five questions about their lesson and quiz their siblings or parents. Challenge them to explain why each answer is correct. Writing questions forces students to identify important information and distinguish between understanding and memorization.

3. Have Them Demonstrate a Science Experiment

Let students select a safe experiment, such as testing which objects float, investigating plant growth, or observing a baking soda and vinegar reaction. Have them explain their prediction, demonstrate the experiment, and describe the scientific principle. Parents can ask what might happen if one variable changes.

4. Host a Weekly Family Learning Night

Once a week, invite each child to present something interesting they studied. One might explain the fall of Rome, another how interest accumulates in a savings account, and another how insects communicate. Encourage questions and discussion, but avoid making it a high-pressure performance.

5. Create a Student-Led Video Lesson

Have your child record a three-to-five-minute explanation of something they learned. They could demonstrate a math problem, describe a historical event, or explain a career. Let them watch their recording and identify one thing to improve. The video can remain private and be shared only with family or a teacher.

Don't Be Afraid When Your Child Says, "I Don't Know"

One of the greatest benefits of teaching is discovering what we do not understand. When students encounter questions they cannot answer, parents have an opportunity to encourage investigation instead of supplying the solution immediately.

A child explaining the digestive system might be asked why stomach acid does not normally digest the stomach itself. A student describing ancient Egypt might be asked how workers moved enormous stone blocks. An aspiring entrepreneur teaching about business might be asked why a profitable company can still run out of cash.

These questions create curiosity and provide a reason to return to books, lessons, experiments, and other reliable resources. When students research an answer and return to teach it, they practice the habits of lifelong learners.

Parents can also help students revisit their lessons a few days later. Teaching once is valuable, but teaching again after a delay gives children another opportunity to retrieve information and see what they remember.

From Learning to Teaching: Bringing the Adventure Home With Xogos Education

At Xogos Education, we believe learning should inspire students to discover, investigate, explore, and share their knowledge with others. Through the educational platform at www.XogosGaming.com, students can explore educational games and free elective classes covering fascinating subjects ranging from history and science to personal finance and medical career preparation.

Imagine a student taking a class about human anatomy and then explaining to their parents how the heart works. Another student explores ancient civilizations and creates a family presentation about the inventions that changed human history. A teenager studying personal finance could teach their siblings how to create a budget, save money, and understand compound interest. Someone exploring medical careers could share what different healthcare professionals do and why their work matters.

The adventure does not have to end when students finish a lesson or turn off their computers. In fact, that may be when one of the most valuable parts of learning begins. Maybe they will even try a game or two that solidifies these lessons.

Our goal at Xogos is to make education engaging enough that students want to explore these subjects, discover new interests, and share what they have learned. By combining educational games, adventurous elective courses, and opportunities to apply knowledge outside the digital world, we hope to help parents and educators turn students from passive recipients of information into curious, confident learners.

The next time your child finishes a lesson, don't simply ask, "What did you learn today?" Instead, ask, "Can you teach me something you learned today?"

You may be surprised how much they know—and how much more they discover when given the opportunity to become the teacher.

The official list

The Georgia Promise Scholarship regulations define "qualified education expenses." Paraphrased, they are:

• Tuition, fees and required textbooks for eligible core courses and career, technical and agricultural education (CTAE) courses at a participating private school, an accredited community college or postsecondary institution, or a nonpublic online learning program or course.
• Tutoring by an educator certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
• Curriculum, including supplemental materials the curriculum requires, as approved by GESA.
• Services from a licensed physician or therapist, including occupational, behavioral, physical and speech-language therapy.
• Transportation: no more than $500 a year to a fee-for-service provider such as a bus, taxi or ride-share, to or from a participating school or service provider.
• Account management fees, other expenses GESA or the State Board authorizes, and individual expenses approved by the program's parent review committee.

The rules that trip people up

1. If it's not in the marketplace, you probably can't buy it. The family handbook says families will not be reimbursed for purchases made outside the marketplace, with the exception of eligible transportation. The curriculum you bought at a convention, the used textbooks from a co-op sale, the online class you paid for by credit card: none of that comes back to you.

2. Approval happens at the item level. GESA approves the provider and then each individual "offering." A curriculum company can be approved while a particular product it sells is not listed. Check that the exact item is in the marketplace before you plan around it.

3. Tutoring means certified tutoring. The tutoring expense is for an educator certified by the Professional Standards Commission. A brilliant college student down the street who isn't certified is not a Promise tutor, no matter how good they are.

4. Family members are out. Expenses billed by family members are not qualified expenses, and the regulations define family broadly: parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, half-siblings, stepsiblings, grandparents, step-grandparents, aunts, uncles and first cousins. Your sister the licensed speech therapist cannot be paid from your child's account.

5. Core subjects first. The vendor handbook flags several categories, including curriculum, textbooks, educational classes, online classes, subscriptions and tutoring, as eligible only for core subjects. Fiction and nonfiction book purchases are limited to books required by a participating private school or a provider such as a curriculum company or tutor.

6. Electronics have caps. The eligible expense list puts price limits and quantity limits on computers, tablets, monitors, printers and accessories. Read the current list on the program site before you assume a laptop is covered at full price.

7. No late fees. Account funds cannot pay a late fee you were charged for paying tuition or another bill late.

A family's first quarter

The Delgados in Gwinnett County chose home study for their sixth grader. In their first quarter they bought a complete math curriculum and a science lab kit through the marketplace, then booked a weekly reading session with a certified tutor they found listed there. They also wanted the history program their old co-op used. It wasn't in the marketplace, so they paid for it from their own pocket and asked the publisher whether it planned to apply as a vendor. They didn't try to get reimbursed for it, because the handbook says that won't happen.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

What you can do with your own money

Nothing in the regulations stops you from paying for something from another source. Section 16.6 says a parent may pay for any tuition, fee, service or product from a source other than account funds. So the program sets limits on its money, not on your whole homeschool. Use Promise for what it covers well and pay directly for the rest.

Rollover: don't race to zero

Unused funds roll over, up to 50 percent of the total deposited into the account for the current school year. There is a catch on the other end: if an account sits inactive for two consecutive school years, or the student graduates from high school, the remaining money goes back to the state general fund and the account closes.

So a family that ends the year with a moderate balance keeps up to half of that year's deposits. A family that never spends anything for two years loses the account.

Four questions before every purchase

Most spending mistakes can be caught with a short checklist. Before you direct a dollar, ask:

• Is this exact item or service listed in the marketplace? Not the company. The item.
• Does it tie to a core subject or an approved career-technical course? If the category is restricted to core subjects, a hobby course won't pass.
• Is the person delivering it qualified the way the rules require? Certified for tutoring, licensed for therapy.
• Is anyone in the transaction a relative? If so, stop.

If you are unsure about a category, ask GESA in writing before you buy. The program's parent review committee exists in part to decide whether particular expenses qualify, and a written answer protects you in an audit far better than a forum post does.

What gets you in trouble

Every parent signs an attestation agreeing to use account funds only for qualified education expenses. GESA audits accounts at random every year. It can make a parent or student ineligible for misuse and refer substantial misuse to the Attorney General. And no provider may refund, rebate or share account funds with a parent. If a seller offers you a kickback or a "credit" for buying through the marketplace, walk away.

Bottom line

Plan purchases around the marketplace, not around your old shopping habits. Start with the eligible expense list and the family handbook on mygeorgiapromise.org, see our Georgia Promise Scholarship guide for the bigger picture, and look up which providers are already approved on our vendor directory.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Georgia Education Savings Authority, Odyssey or the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. Program rules, approved items and amounts are set by the state and can change — confirm details on the official program pages before making financial decisions. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

Stop. Do the math first.

The rollover rule

Unspent funds roll over at two-thirds of the remaining balance, capped at $2,000.

That's it. That's the whole rule, and it changes the end-of-year calculation completely.

Run some numbers:

• Leftover $300 → $200 rolls over.
• Leftover $900 → $600 rolls over.
• Leftover $1,500 → $1,000 rolls over.
• Leftover $3,000 → $2,000 rolls over.
• Leftover $4,500 → two-thirds is $3,000, but the cap holds it at $2,000.

Notice where the cap bites. Two-thirds of $3,000 is exactly $2,000, so $3,000 is the break-even point. Below $3,000, every dollar you leave unspent returns 67 cents next year. Above $3,000, additional unspent dollars return nothing.

The real question: what is a panic purchase worth?

Here is the comparison nobody makes.

You have $900 left in June. Option A: buy a curriculum set you're not sure you'll use, because "it's free money." Option B: leave it and get $600 next year toward something you actually chose.

Option A only wins if the thing you buy is worth more than $600 to your family. A curriculum you picked in a panic, in the last week of the program year, because the clock was running? That is not usually worth $600. It's usually worth whatever it costs to store it in a closet.

Joy Tanaka in Lehi ran exactly this play two years running. The first year she spent the tail end of her award in late June on a math program a friend recommended. Her daughter hated it and they abandoned it in October. The second year she left roughly $800 in the account, took the rollover, and put it toward a tutor she'd actually researched. Same money, wildly different outcome.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Two-thirds of a good decision beats all of a bad one.

When you should spend it down

This is not a blanket "always save." There are clear cases where spending makes more sense:

• Your balance is over $3,000. Above that line, extra unspent dollars roll over at zero. If you're sitting on $4,000 in May, spend down toward $3,000 on things you genuinely need and keep the rest.
• You have a real, planned purchase. A device you were going to buy anyway. Next year's curriculum you've already chosen. A summer program your kid is enrolled in. Planned is the operative word.
• The item will be harder to get later. A vendor's approval status can change, and a program you rely on may not be listed forever.
• Your award band is about to drop. Unlikely, but if circumstances change, plan for it.

When you should leave it

• You're browsing for something to buy. If you had to go looking for a way to spend it, you don't need it.
• The category is capped and you're at the ceiling. Extracurriculars and PE are each limited to 20% of the award. Hitting the wall means you cannot solve the problem by spending more in that bucket anyway.
• You have a known expense next year. A teenager heading into technical college coursework, a therapy plan starting in the fall, an expensive class. Rollover is the cleanest way to pre-fund it.
• It's already late June. Goods over $1,000 get extra review, and approval is not instant. A late big purchase may simply fail to clear.

The age-band angle

Here's a planning move most families miss. For 2026-27, home-based students ages 5 through 11 get $4,000 and ages 12 through 18 get $6,000, with age measured as of September 1.

If your child is about to cross into the higher band, next year is when the bigger expenses become affordable anyway. That argues for spending down a large balance this year on real needs rather than banking it.

If your child just crossed into the higher band and you suddenly have more money than plan, that is exactly when a deliberate balance and a two-thirds rollover makes sense. Don't let a bigger award force bigger spending.

Plan the balance in March, not June

The sane version of this is not a June decision at all. It's a March decision.

In March you already know roughly what the rest of the year costs. You know your category totals. You can look at the number and say: we're going to land around $700, that's fine, that's $467 next year. Or: we're going to land at $3,800, so we should move next year's curriculum purchase into July and use it properly.

Either way you decided. You didn't react.

Remember the July 1 wall

One more piece of timing. Spending before July 1 of the program year is not reimbursed, except for private school tuition and deposits.

That cuts both ways. It means you cannot pull next year's purchases into June. It also means the July 1 restart is a clean line — whatever rolls over is waiting when the new year opens, and you can buy properly in July instead of frantically in June.

A simple end-of-year checklist

• March: project your June balance. Write the number down.
• April: if the projection is above $3,000, list real needs and spend toward $3,000. Not wants. Needs.
• May: place any large order early enough for the over-$1,000 review to clear.
• June: do nothing you haven't already planned. Let the balance roll.
• July: new funds plus rollover arrive. Buy the things you chose calmly in the spring.

Bottom line

Two-thirds, capped at $2,000. Below a $3,000 balance, unspent money is worth 67 cents on the dollar next year. Above it, the cap eats the difference.

The worst move is a June purchase you'd never make in October. Check the current rules in our Utah Fits All guide and confirm them against the statute at le.utah.gov, then decide with a calendar instead of a clock.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Utah State Board of Education, Odyssey or the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program. Program rules and amounts are set by the state and can change — confirm details on the official program pages before making financial decisions. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

The 2026–27 Eligible Expense List

For 2026–27, ADE lists these eligible expenses: tuition and fees, uniforms, testing, instructional materials, tutoring services, curricula, supplemental supplies, specific technology devices, transportation costs and fees for college courses.

For a homeschool family, that covers a lot of ground. Your math and reading curriculum. The workbooks and manipulatives that go with it. A tutor for the subject you dread teaching. The approved reading and math test your child needs. Even college course fees for an older student ready for more.

Read the Fine Print on Technology

Notice the words: specific technology devices. Not any technology. Not whatever gadget your teenager wants for Christmas. If you're thinking about a device, find out exactly which ones qualify before you swipe a card.

That's what Carla did. She's a homeschool mom in Searcy with a fifth grader and a ninth grader. Her plan for the first quarter was curriculum for both kids, plus a laptop for her ninth grader's online coursework. The curriculum was obviously on the list, so she bought it right away. The laptop she wasn't sure about. So she contacted the Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment first and held off on buying until she had an answer in hand. She also had an idea for a hands-on field trip that wasn't on the list at all. Same move: she asked before spending a dime.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

The Ask-Before-You-Spend Rule

Here it is, the rule that saves families headaches. If an expense isn't listed, ask the Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment before you spend.

Why does this matter so much? Because the money is public money with rules attached. If you buy something that doesn't qualify and try to get reimbursed, you're the one holding the bill. Asking takes a little time. Guessing wrong costs real dollars.

And don't take your cousin's word for it, or a comment in an online group. What someone else got approved for, in some other situation, isn't your answer. The office is.

Spend Like It's Your Own Money

Because it basically is. It's your child's education. The families who get the most out of the EFA plan the year before they shop. Core curriculum first. Testing budgeted. Tutoring for the weak spots. Then the extras.

Remember, too, that money arrives quarterly. For 2026–27, that's $1,802 per quarter per student. Don't spend the whole first quarter on day one and then realize you forgot the test in spring.

The Bottom Line

The list is generous. The rules are clear. Stay on the list, and when in doubt, ask first.

• Write out your year's needs before you shop: curriculum, materials, testing, tutoring.
• Match every planned purchase to ADE's 2026–27 eligible expense list.
• For anything not clearly listed, including technology questions, ask the Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment first.
• Keep itemized receipts for every purchase.
• Shop curriculum, tutors and services at Find Vendors, and read our full guide at Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Arkansas Department of Education, the Education Freedom Accounts program or ClassWallet. Program rules, amounts and dates change every year — confirm details with the Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment before making financial decisions. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

Under Leeper v. Arlington ISD, upheld by the Texas Supreme Court, homeschools in Texas are treated as private schools. The requirements are simple. Run your homeschool in a bona fide manner, with a written curriculum covering reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship. That's it. The Texas Education Agency does not regulate, index, monitor, approve, register or accredit homeschool programs.

Read that list again. Regulate. Monitor. Approve. Register. Texas says no to all of it. So here's the question: why would you volunteer for any of it?

What Comes Attached to the Check

Texas Education Freedom Accounts offer homeschool students up to $2,000 for the 2026–27 school year. Nobody's pretending that's nothing. But let's be honest about what comes with it.

To get in, you have to prove eligibility: citizenship or lawful status, Texas residency, eligibility to attend a Texas public or charter school. You may land in a lottery sorted by household income tiers. Once you're in, you spend from an approved-expense list. Computer hardware and software are capped at 10% of the year's transfer. You can't pay family members. And the Comptroller must contract a private entity to audit accounts and eligibility at least annually.

None of that is sinister. It's what happens when public money is involved. Taxpayers deserve accountability. But that's exactly the point. Public money means public rules. And the rules are set by the state, and they can change.

An Abilene Family Says No Thanks

Meet Tom and Rachel in Abilene. Four kids. Eleven years of homeschooling. They've built their curriculum from used books, a church co-op, a grandmother who teaches piano and history, and a lot of hard work at the kitchen table. When TEFA launched, friends asked if they were applying.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

They talked it over for a week. Rachel ran the numbers. Tom asked the bigger question: what does our homeschool look like if we let the state's spending list shape our choices? Grandma can't be paid from the account. The co-op isn't something they'd buy on a marketplace. The used books come from a swap table, not a vendor. And they didn't love the idea of their family's eligibility and spending being part of an annual audit.

So they passed. They kept doing exactly what they'd done for eleven years, with nobody's approval required.

“But It's Optional” — Exactly

Supporters will say TEFA is voluntary. They're right. Families could opt out. Nobody's forcing anyone in. And for some households, $2,000 is a real help.

But “optional” cuts both ways. If it's optional, then declining it is a perfectly reasonable choice, not a foolish one. Every program that starts small can grow its rulebook over time. Today's approved-expense list is today's list. Today's priority tiers are today's tiers. Once your family's budget and habits are built around a state account, you're a lot less free to walk away when the rules shift.

Ask yourself honestly: is the freedom you already have worth more than $2,000 a year? For a lot of families, the answer is yes.

The Bottom Line

Texas homeschoolers don't need permission to teach their kids. That's the whole point of Leeper. Taking TEFA money is legal, and for some families it's wise. But nobody should take it on autopilot.

• Reread what Texas law actually requires of homeschools before you sign up for anything more.
• List every requirement that comes with TEFA: eligibility proof, spending rules, audits.
• Ask whether your current approach — used books, co-ops, family teachers — fits inside those rules.
• Remember that program rules are set by the state and can change.
• Decide based on your family's values, not on what the neighbors are doing.
• Read our Texas Education Freedom Accounts guide so you're deciding with full information.

Freedom you already own beats money with strings. At least think about it before you trade.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Education Freedom Accounts or Odyssey. Program rules and amounts are set by the state and can change every year — confirm details on the official program site before making financial decisions. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

What the category is

PEP's statute lists tuition and fees for full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education instructional program among eligible expenses. It is an expense category, not a legal status. Enrolling in one does not change your home education registration, and it is separate from your PEP account itself. In practice it is how families pay for the classes, co-ops and programs that make up part of a child's sequential instruction: a Tuesday science lab, a writing workshop, a three-day-a-week academic program.

Why the answer depends on who holds your account

Because the statute is silent on provider criteria, each scholarship funding organization applies its own test. Step Up For Students asks whether the parent selected the program as part of parent-directed instruction, whether it adds to or enriches the child's learning, and whether it is operated by a business rather than an individual, with narrow exceptions. AAA Scholarship Foundation looks for a publicly reviewable program description and a published tuition and fee schedule, and excludes full-time programs at schools. A third funding organization publishes no test at all. The same program can be a routine purchase under one organization and a question under another.

What changed in 2026

• A statewide definition was proposed and died. Senate Bill 318 would have set uniform requirements for these programs, including background screening for providers who receive scholarship tuition. It did not pass; the bill died on March 13, 2026.
• Step Up relaxed two of its own criteria in July. A published fee schedule is no longer an eligibility test, and the physical-location requirement was removed, according to families and providers tracking the purchasing guide. A fee schedule is still needed for a provider to set up direct billing in EMA.
• Live online instruction is routed elsewhere. Step Up treats live virtual classes under its approved online provider category, and full-time online instruction is not permitted under PEP.

What to get in writing

Because the rules differ and can shift mid-year, the protection is documentation. Save a dated copy of the provider's program description, the current purchasing guide language for your funding organization, the provider's legal name, fee schedule and refund policy, and an itemized invoice showing the student's name and service dates. If a program is not obviously in the category, ask your funding organization to confirm the category in writing before you pay anything nonrefundable. A deposit paid on an assumption is the most common way this category costs families money.

Action items

• Identify which funding organization holds your PEP account; the test you must meet is theirs.
• Read the current PEP purchasing guide's section on instructional programs; it is updated more than once a year.
• Before paying a deposit, ask the provider whether other PEP families have been paid through your organization, and by which route.
• Keep the dated documents above in the same folder as your receipts.

Co-ops and enrichment programs serving Florida scholarship families are listed in our vendor directory and on the co-ops directory, with the spending routes explained in the Step Up guide.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with Step Up For Students or the Florida Department of Education. Program rules and amounts change every cycle — confirm details on the official program pages before making financial decisions.

What the scholarship is

The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (JPSN) is a state program in Ohio Revised Code sections 3310.51 to 3310.64, run by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). It pays an approved provider for the special education services written into your child's individualized education program (IEP), in place of the services your school district would deliver. The money doesn't land in an account for you to spend however you like. It pays a provider DEW has registered.

Providers come in a few types: private schools, public entities and businesses. A homeschool family uses a business provider. DEW's JPSN page puts it in one sentence: "If they are enrolling with a business provider the parent will be responsible for Home Educating their child." You keep teaching math, reading and the rest. The provider delivers the IEP services.

Who qualifies

The definition of a "qualified special education child" is in ORC 3310.51. Boiled down, your child needs all of these:

• Age 3 through 21. DEW says children ages 3 and 4 have been eligible since September 30, 2025, with a compliant evaluation team report (ETR) and IEP.
• Identified as a child with a disability by your school district of residence, with an ETR saying the child needs special education or related services.
• A current IEP from that district. DEW says the IEP must be finalized, with everyone, including you, in agreement.
• No EdChoice scholarship or Autism Scholarship approved for the same school year. You pick one.
• You and your child in compliance with Ohio's compulsory attendance law. For a homeschool family, that means your home education notice is on file with the superintendent.

That last point trips people up. JPSN isn't a substitute for the homeschool notice. File the notice first, keep the superintendent's acknowledgment letter, then apply. The law also bars DEW from requiring income verification for JPSN (ORC 3310.52), so household income doesn't matter.

How much it pays for 2026–27

The award depends on the primary disability listed on your child's ETR. DEW's FY2027 category amounts (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) set these maximums:

• $10,045: speech or language impairment. Related services in the IEP only, no tuition.
• $13,069: specific learning disability, intellectual disability or minor other health impairment.
• $20,069: hearing impairment or emotional disturbance.
• $24,080: vision impairment or major other health impairment.
• $29,750: orthopedic impairment or multiple disabilities.
• $34,000: autism, traumatic brain injury, or hearing and vision impairment.

Those are ceilings, not checks. The scholarship pays the lesser of the provider's fees or the maximum for your child's category. If the provider charges more, you pay the difference. DEW also says a student must be in the program the entire year to receive the full amount, so a mid-year start means a prorated award.

What it pays for, and what it doesn't

For a home-educated child with a business provider, DEW's comparison document (July 2025) describes three kinds of billable services: intervention services tied to the child's IEP goals, aide services, and related services listed in the IEP. Think speech therapy, occupational therapy, a reading intervention specialist or an aide. The statute also lets you use more than one provider, and lets services be delivered virtually by licensed teachers, permitted aides and credentialed providers.

What it doesn't cover: your general homeschool curriculum, services before DEW approves the scholarship in writing, and anything above the category maximum. A business provider also doesn't issue report cards, transcripts or diplomas. Those stay with you as the home educator.

Your district stays in the picture

Under ORC 3310.53, your district still develops the IEP for a JPSN student, and you keep a continuing right to one. But while your child uses the scholarship, the district isn't obligated to provide a free appropriate public education. If you stop taking the scholarship and enroll your child in the district's special education program, that obligation comes back.

That trade matters because DEW's Home Education Fact Sheet says home-educated children aren't eligible to receive IEP services from their district of residence. For a family that keeps homeschooling, JPSN or the Autism Scholarship is the state-funded route to those services.

The strings attached

• Testing to renew. To keep the scholarship, your child must take the state achievement tests for the child's grade unless the IEP or federal law excuses them (ORC 3310.522). Most Ohio homeschoolers never test. JPSN families do.
• An approved provider. A tutor or therapist you like can't bill the scholarship unless the business is registered with DEW for that year.
• A current IEP. You stay in contact with your district for evaluations and IEP meetings, and the provider sends progress reports on IEP goals to the district.

One family's year

The Okonkwos live outside Hilliard and withdrew their son, a third grader with a specific learning disability, from public school last spring. They filed their home education notice that week, and the superintendent's acknowledgment came back about ten days later. A neighbor told them JPSN would "pay for homeschool." It doesn't. What it did pay for was a reading intervention specialist from an approved business provider, three sessions a week, billed against the $13,069 category maximum. Mom kept teaching math, science and history at the kitchen table. In the spring the provider brought up state testing, which surprised them, and they scheduled it so the scholarship could renew.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Checklist before you apply

• File your home education notice and keep the acknowledgment letter.
• Confirm your child has a current, finalized IEP from your district of residence.
• Find the primary disability on the ETR and look up the FY2027 maximum.
• Search DEW's Scholarship Provider Directory for business providers near you.
• Ask each provider what it charges, what it bills and how state testing will be handled.
• Decide between JPSN and the Autism Scholarship. You can't hold both in the same year.
• Browse therapists and tutors in our vendor directory, and track DEW dates on our education calendar.

Questions go to DEW at peterson.scholarship@education.ohio.gov or 614-728-3480.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program or any Ohio school district. Amounts and rules change each year — confirm details with DEW and your provider before you act. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

What MOScholars is

MOScholars is the short name for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The General Assembly created it in 2021 (HB 349 and SB 86), and the State Treasurer's office oversees it. The law is in RSMo 135.712 to 135.719 and 166.700 to 166.720.

The money doesn't come out of your school district's budget. Donors give to nonprofit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) and get a Missouri tax credit for it. The EAOs put grants into scholarship accounts for qualified students. The Treasurer's MOScholars FAQ says the program "does not reduce the funding received by a student's resident school district."

You don't get a check. The account pays approved schools, providers and vendors for approved expenses, and the parent signs a written agreement with the EAO that spells out the rules.

Who it's for

The law, RSMo 166.700, has two ways in. A Missouri resident student qualifies with an IEP developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Or the student lives in a household with income no higher than 300% of the free and reduced-price lunch standard and also meets one of three tests: attended public school full time for at least one semester in the previous 12 months, is eligible to start kindergarten or first grade, or is the sibling of a student who got a scholarship last year and will get one this year.

Read that second route again. A child who has been homeschooled for years, with no IEP, usually doesn't fit any of those three tests. That's why most families who already homeschool won't qualify. We cover every piece of eligibility in a separate article.

The homeschool catch: FPE schools

Under RSMo 167.012, a Missouri "home school" by definition does not enroll children who take part in MOScholars. So a traditional home school can't use an account.

Since 2024, the law has also defined a "Family Paced Education" or FPE school in RSMo 167.013. It's home-based and follows the same rules as a home school: private or religious-based instruction, no more than four unrelated children, no tuition, at least 1,000 hours of instruction and the same records. The difference is that an FPE school may enroll MOScholars students. A homeschooling family whose eligible child gets an account is running an FPE school.

The Treasurer's Schools page lists what an FPE school agrees to when it applies: not to pay, share, refund or rebate account money to the parent, the student or anyone related within three degrees, and to produce the records 167.013 requires when asked.

How much, and what for

Award limits are a percentage of the State Adequacy Target, a per-student figure DESE calculates each year (RSMo 135.714): up to 175% for a student with an IEP, 160% for an English learner, 125% for a student eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and 100% for everyone else. Those are ceilings. Actual awards depend on what each EAO has raised.

The account can pay for tuition at a qualified school, curriculum, tutoring, educational therapies from licensed or accredited providers, certain tests, approved devices, and summer and after-school programs, among other things. It can't pay for consumable supplies like paper and pencils, and it can't pay anyone related to the student within the third degree. For an FPE family, that includes Mom and Dad.

The 2026–27 numbers

The Treasurer's October 12, 2026 release reported these figures for the 2026–27 school year:

• 16,144 applications received
• 12,319 students qualified
• 10,235 students funded, with $68.7 million awarded
• 1,735 students on the waitlist
• 385 approved schools and 350 family paced education participating statewide

Qualifying didn't guarantee money. Not every qualified student was funded at the time of that release. EAOs fund students in a priority order set by law, with returning students first.

Is it on solid legal ground?

On April 14, 2026, the Treasurer announced that the Cole County Circuit Court had dismissed with prejudice a lawsuit by the Missouri National Education Association that sought to halt scholarship distributions (Treasurer's release). The program went on to fund the 2026–27 school year. We haven't confirmed whether that ruling was appealed, so keep an eye on the Treasurer's newsroom.

What MOScholars isn't

• It isn't a homeschool tax credit. We found no Missouri income tax credit or deduction for home school expenses.
• It isn't run by DESE. DESE's FAQ says it doesn't regulate or monitor home schooling and doesn't provide funding for it.
• It isn't open to anyone who asks. Eligibility, the priority order and each EAO's funding decide who gets an account.
• It isn't required. Most Missouri homeschool families never touch it and teach legally under 167.012 with no paperwork filed anywhere.

One family's decision

The Harlands live near Republic. Their oldest two have been home since kindergarten. Their third, a fourth grader, finished last fall semester at their public elementary school before they pulled him out in January. At a park day, another mom mentioned MOScholars, and Dad spent a night reading the Treasurer's pages. What he found: the older two don't qualify, since neither has an IEP or a recent public school semester. The fourth grader might, because he spent a full semester in public school within the past 12 months, if their income is under the limit. If he gets an account, their home school would operate as an FPE school, and they'd agree never to pay themselves or relatives from it. They decided to check their income against the limit first, then call an EAO that works with FPE students before the next window opens.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Before you go further: a checklist

• Check whether your child has an IEP developed under IDEA and dated within the last 36 months.
• If not, check your household income against 300% of the free and reduced-price lunch standard, then the three extra tests.
• Read the FPE definition in RSMo 167.013 and decide whether you're comfortable signing the agreement.
• Look at the Treasurer's EAO list and ask which ones work with FPE students.
• Sign up for application updates on the Treasurer's MOScholars page. No 2027–28 window had been announced as of October 30, 2026.
• Find tutors, therapists and curriculum sellers in our vendor directory, and watch dates on our education calendar.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Missouri State Treasurer's Office, any Educational Assistance Organization, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or any Missouri school district. Program rules and dates change — confirm details with the Treasurer's office and your EAO before you act. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

The short answer

• Kansas has one private school choice program: the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. It pays only accredited private schools.
• Kansas has no education savings account (ESA), no voucher and no state money for homeschool costs.
• Kansas will take part in the new federal scholarship tax credit starting January 1, 2027, because the Legislature overrode Governor Laura Kelly's veto of SB 361 on April 9, 2026.
• ESA bills failed in 2023 and died in 2024. Bills to expand the state scholarship failed in 2025 and 2026.

What exists: the state tax credit scholarship

The program has been law since 2014 and is written in K.S.A. 72-4351 through 72-4357. It works through donors, not through the state budget directly. A person or business gives to a nonprofit scholarship granting organization (SGO). Under K.S.A. 72-4357, the donor gets a Kansas tax credit worth 75% of the gift for tax years after 2022, on up to $500,000 of gifts per taxpayer per tax year. Total credits are capped at $10 million per tax year.

The SGO then awards scholarships of up to $8,000 per school year to students from households at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. The money goes to accredited private schools. KSDE's January 2026 report to the Legislature says 2,678 students received scholarships totaling $7,954,838 in the 2024–25 school year, at 105 private schools. That works out to roughly $2,970 per student on average in 2024–25, well under the cap.

What doesn't exist

No ESA. No voucher. No state grant, credit or deduction for homeschool expenses that we could find. KSDE's non-accredited private school page is plain about the homeschool side: you register your school once, you choose your own materials, and the state doesn't supply curriculum. In Kansas a homeschool runs as a non-accredited private school, and the state scholarship only pays accredited ones.

What passed in 2026

The Legislature passed SB 361, a one-section bill that opts Kansas into the federal tax credit for gifts to scholarship granting organizations under Internal Revenue Code section 25F. The governor vetoed it on April 8, 2026. Her veto message said the program "needs to be thoroughly vetted to understand the potential impact on funding for our public schools." The next day, April 9, the Senate voted 29–10 and the House 85–38 to override. It is now 2026 Session Laws chapter 147.

The Kansas Department of Revenue's Notice 26-10 says the law took effect July 1, 2026. The IRS list of participating states for 2027 includes Kansas, as of October 22, 2026.

What failed

• ESAs: House Substitute for SB 83 passed the House 64–61 on March 15, 2023. The final conference version was rejected by the Senate 17–20 on April 6, 2023. HB 2218 (2023) and SB 469 (2024) died in committee.
• Scholarship expansion: SB 87 passed the Senate 24–16 in February 2025 but never got a final House vote. HB 2136, SB 252, SB 386 and HB 2680 died in committee.
• HB 2468 would have opted into the federal credit and raised the state credit cap from $10 million to $15 million a year. The governor vetoed it, and on April 10, 2026 the veto stood when the House made no motion to reconsider.

We cover each of these in more detail in separate articles. The point here is the pattern: the Legislature passed the narrow federal opt-in over a veto, and the broader state proposals didn't make it.

What's next

The 2025–2026 session is over, and the bills that didn't pass are marked dead on the Legislature's site. As of October 31, 2026, we found no official notice of school choice bills for 2027. We won't guess. When bills are filed, they'll show up on kslegislature.gov, and we'll update the guide.

What this means if you homeschool

Today, nothing in the state's school choice column pays for your curriculum, tutoring or therapies. The tax credit scholarship pays accredited schools. The federal credit is a donor's tax break that starts in 2027, and whether any Kansas SGO will offer scholarships for homeschool costs depends on federal rules and on each organization. That isn't settled.

What you can use right now isn't called "school choice," but it's real: part-time enrollment in your district's courses and services under K.S.A. 72-3120(h), KSHSAA activities at your resident public school under K.S.A. 72-7121, and tuition-free career and technical courses at Kansas colleges through Excel in CTE. Those are spelled out in the guide.

One family sorting it out

The Brandts homeschool three kids outside Emporia. At a park day, someone said Kansas "has scholarship money now," and Dad spent an evening on KSDE's pages. What he found: the state scholarship only pays accredited private schools, so it doesn't fit their homeschool. The federal credit starts in 2027, but it's a credit for donors, and no list of Kansas organizations had been published. What does fit is closer to home. Their oldest can take a welding course at a community college with no tuition through Excel in CTE, and their middle child wants to run cross country at the district high school. They budgeted for curriculum as usual and put the two real options on the calendar.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Your school choice checklist

• Don't budget for state money that doesn't exist. Kansas has no ESA or homeschool funding.
• If you're considering an accredited private school, check the tax credit scholarship's income and prior-school rules.
• Watch the IRS page and the State Treasurer for Kansas's federal SGO list. It wasn't published as of October 31, 2026.
• Ask your district for its part-time enrollment policy and its activities rules.
• Find curriculum, tutors and therapists in our vendor directory, and watch dates on our education calendar.
• Compare notes with other Kansas families in our community.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Legislature, the Office of the Governor, the Kansas Department of Revenue, the Kansas State Treasurer, the IRS or any scholarship granting organization. Laws and programs change — confirm details on the Legislature's site and with the agency involved before you act. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

The short answer

• Colorado has broad public school choice: tuition-free open enrollment across districts, charter schools, online schools, innovation schools and free preschool hours.
• Colorado has no state voucher, no education savings account (ESA) and no tax credit scholarship program.
• The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) says there is no funding available for homeschooling.
• Voters turned down Amendment 80, a constitutional "right to school choice," in November 2024.
• Colorado is on the IRS list of states taking part in the new federal scholarship tax credit, which starts January 1, 2027.

What exists: public school choice

Under C.R.S. 22-36-101 (in Title 22 of the Colorado Revised Statutes), every district must let its own students apply to particular schools and programs, and must let students from other Colorado districts enroll without paying tuition. A district can say no only for reasons the law lists, such as no space or staff, or a program the student doesn't qualify for.

The nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff's January 2026 issue brief, School Choice in Colorado, covers the rest. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools run under a contract with a school district or the state Charter School Institute. Districts and the Institute can run online schools, including multi-district online schools that serve students from anywhere in the state.

Colorado also offers ten hours a week of free preschool in the year before kindergarten, as written in the 2024 statutes, subject to provider capacity. And high school students enrolled in a district, charter school or BOCES can take college classes with tuition paid by the school, through concurrent enrollment.

What doesn't exist

No voucher. No ESA. No tax credit scholarship. No state grant, credit or deduction for homeschool costs that we could find. CDE's FAQ for homeschool families puts it in one line: "At the time of this update, there is no funding available." The Legislative Council Staff brief describes private schools and homeschools as non-public education that receives no public funding, and notes that the Colorado Constitution bars public money for schools run by a church or sectarian denomination (article IX, section 7).

What failed

• Amendment 80 (November 5, 2024). It would have put a right to school choice, naming neighborhood, charter and private schools, home schooling, open enrollment and future innovations, into the state constitution. It needed 55%. The Secretary of State's official abstract shows 1,507,236 yes (49.3%) and 1,548,679 no (50.7%).
• HCR24-1003, a legislative referral on the same idea, was postponed indefinitely 11–0 in a House committee on April 15, 2024.
• SR25-009, a Senate resolution on "the necessity of school choice in Colorado," was postponed indefinitely 3–2 in committee on May 1, 2025.
• HB26-1292 would have required Colorado, if it joined the federal tax credit, to list every eligible scholarship granting organization and put nondiscrimination and disability rules on schools receiving that money. The House Education Committee postponed it indefinitely 11–0 on April 30, 2026.

Further back, Douglas County's 2011 voucher pilot was held unconstitutional by a plurality of the Colorado Supreme Court in 2015, a judgment the U.S. Supreme Court vacated in 2017. We cover that case and Amendment 80 in their own articles.

What passed, and what's coming

The 2026 bill that matters most to homeschoolers wasn't a choice bill at all. SB26-023, the 2026 School Finance Act, signed May 28, 2026, set new rules for district, charter and BOCES part-time programs for homeschool students. Among them: those programs can't pay for a family's private activities or purchases.

On the federal side, the Colorado Department of Revenue says Colorado notified the IRS that it will take part in the federal scholarship tax credit for tax year 2027, and the IRS list of participating states includes Colorado as of October 22, 2026. Scholarship granting organizations apply to be on Colorado's list by November 30, 2026, and the state sends its list to the IRS by January 1, 2027.

The State Board of Education must adopt rules by December 31, 2026 for certifying part-time programs that operate outside their own district, starting with 2027–28. The November 3, 2026 ballot has no school choice measure on it. As of October 31, 2026, we found no official notice of school choice bills for the 2027 session. We won't guess. When bills are filed, they'll show up on the General Assembly's site.

What this means if you homeschool

Nothing in Colorado's choice column pays for your curriculum, tutoring or therapy today. The federal credit is a tax break for donors, and whether any Colorado scholarship granting organization will help with homeschool costs depends on federal rules and on each organization. That isn't settled.

What you can use right now is mostly part-time: classes at a public school, a district or charter part-time program for homeschool students, sports and activities at a public school, and concurrent enrollment arranged through a district, charter school or BOCES. One line to remember: if your child enrolls full time in a charter, online or out-of-district school, your child becomes a public school student and is no longer homeschooling.

One family sorting it out

The Delgados homeschool two kids on the edge of Grand Junction. At a park day, a friend said Colorado "voted in school choice" a couple of years ago. Mom checked the Secretary of State's results that night and found the opposite: Amendment 80 failed. Then she read CDE's homeschool FAQ and found the "no funding available" line. What did fit was closer to home. Their district lets homeschool students take a class at the middle school, and their oldest wanted band. They kept their curriculum budget as it was, filed their notice of intent for the year, and called the school about band.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Your school choice checklist

• Don't budget for state money that doesn't exist. Colorado has no ESA, voucher or homeschool funding.
• Keep your notice of intent current and keep a copy. Part-time programs must now collect one.
• Ask your district and local charter schools what part-time options they offer for 2026–27 and 2027–28.
• Watch the Department of Revenue for Colorado's scholarship granting organization list in early 2027, and ask any organization directly what its scholarships cover.
• Find curriculum, tutors and therapists in our vendor directory, and watch dates on our education calendar.
• Trade notes with other Colorado families in our community.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Colorado Department of Revenue, the Colorado Secretary of State, the IRS or any scholarship granting organization. Laws and programs change — confirm details with the agency involved before you act. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

The short answer

• Kentucky has no education savings account (ESA), no voucher, no state tax-credit scholarship and no state income tax credit or deduction for K–12 costs that we could find.
• The 2021 Education Opportunity Account program was struck down by the Kentucky Supreme Court on December 15, 2022.
• Voters rejected Amendment 2, which would have let the state pay for education outside the public schools, on November 5, 2024.
• The Supreme Court struck down the 2022 charter school funding law on February 19, 2026.
• Kentucky will take part in the new federal scholarship tax credit starting January 1, 2027, because the General Assembly overrode Governor Andy Beshear's veto of HB 1 in March 2026.

What exists today

For a homeschool family, the honest answer is that no state program pays for anything. The Kentucky Department of Education's Homeschool Information Packet (May 2026) says KDE doesn't accredit homeschools and doesn't provide financial assistance to them. In Kentucky a homeschool is a private school under KRS 159.030. You send a yearly notice to your local superintendent, keep attendance and scholarship reports, and pay your own way.

For some families that's a plus. No state money also means no approved-vendor list, no account rules and no spending audits. But it does mean you should budget as if no help is coming, because for now none is.

What was tried, and what happened

Education Opportunity Accounts (2021). HB 563 created a donor-funded account program. Donors got a state tax credit for gifts to nonprofit account-granting organizations, which funded accounts for lower-income students. Governor Beshear vetoed it on March 24, 2021, and the General Assembly overrode the veto on March 29, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court held that the program violates Section 184 of the Kentucky Constitution, according to the Legislative Research Commission note attached to KRS 141.500.

Amendment 2 (2024). Lawmakers then asked voters to change the Constitution. HB 2 (2024) put a question on the November ballot that would have let the General Assembly "provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools." The certified results show it failed, 1,302,466 no to 707,819 yes, about 64.8% to 35.2%.

Charter school funding (2026). On February 19, 2026, the Supreme Court held that HB 9 (2022), the charter school law, violates Sections 183, 184 and 186 of the Constitution (Supreme Court minutes, February 19, 2026). Charter schools are public schools, so this one doesn't touch homeschooling directly. But it confirmed how tightly the Constitution limits state school money.

What passed in 2026

HB 1 (2026) opts Kentucky into the federal scholarship tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 25F. It passed the House 79–17 on February 24 and the Senate 33–5 on February 27. The governor vetoed it on March 13. The House overrode the veto 77–14–1 on March 16 and the Senate 31–5 on March 17. It is 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 4, now KRS 14.125, and it names the Secretary of State to send Kentucky's list of scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 each year.

The IRS list of participating states for 2027 includes Kentucky as of October 22, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, an individual may be able to claim a federal credit of up to $1,700 ($3,400 filing jointly) for certain cash gifts to a listed SGO.

What was filed and went nowhere

Two 2026 bills on the same subjects never left committee. HB 28 would have repealed the struck-down account statutes, which still sit in the KRS with the court note attached. HB 88 would have opted into the federal credit with the Auditor of Public Accounts, rather than the Secretary of State, keeping the list. Neither got a floor vote.

What's next

The next fixed date is January 1, 2027, when the Secretary of State must send Kentucky's first SGO list to the Treasury. The office is writing its filing rules in a proposed regulation, 30 KAR 1:060, which was still in the public comment stage at the end of October 2026. We found no official source on school choice bills for the 2027 session, and we won't guess. When bills are filed, they'll show up on the General Assembly's site, and we'll update the guide.

What this means if you homeschool

Three things. First, no Kentucky program pays for curriculum, tutoring or therapy today, and the Supreme Court has now twice held that state funding plans for education outside the common (public) schools ran afoul of the Constitution. Second, your homeschool freedom didn't change through any of this. The notice, the records and your choice of curriculum are the same as they were. Third, the federal credit is a donor's tax break. It doesn't give you an account, and whether any SGO will offer scholarships that cover homeschool costs depends on federal rules and on each SGO. That isn't settled.

What you can use now isn't labeled "school choice," but it's real: the KHEAA Dual Credit Scholarship for homeschool juniors and seniors, KEES awards for homeschool graduates based on ACT or SAT scores, and your district's special education evaluations. We cover each in its own article.

One family sorting it out

The Whitakers homeschool three kids on a few acres outside Bowling Green. At a park day in October, another mom said Kentucky "passed the scholarship thing," and Dad spent an evening reading bill pages. What he found: the 2021 accounts were struck down years ago, Amendment 2 failed, and the 2027 federal credit works through SGOs whose rules weren't final. So the family kept its curriculum budget where it was. They marked March 1, 2027 on the calendar for their oldest's spring dual credit application, and they plan to look at Kentucky's SGO list after January 1 before counting on anything.

(A composite example — names and details are illustrative, drawn from situations homeschool families commonly describe.)

Your school choice checklist

• Budget as if no state money is coming. As of October 31, 2026, none exists for homeschool costs.
• Be wary of anyone selling help with a "Kentucky ESA." There isn't one.
• Watch for Kentucky's first SGO list after January 1, 2027, and ask an SGO directly what it will pay for.
• Put the March 1, 2027 spring Dual Credit Scholarship deadline on your calendar if you have an 11th or 12th grader.
• Find curriculum, tutors and therapists in our vendor directory, and track dates on our education calendar.
• Compare notes with other Kentucky families in our community.

My Learning Source is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky Secretary of State, the Kentucky Supreme Court, the IRS, KHEAA or any scholarship granting organization. Laws and programs change — confirm details on the General Assembly's site and with the agency involved before you act. Family examples are composites, not real individuals.

We’re a community nonprofit in Bedford, New Hampshire, and we welcome homeschool families from across southern NH. Our younger students explore building and coding through FIRST LEGO League. On our high school team, students design, build, program, and drive a robot for competition. We operate independently of schools, and we never turn a student away because their family can’t afford to participate.

If your child is curious about robotics, we’d love to hear what they enjoy building or figuring out. Visit mayhemrobotics.org or email us at joinmayhem@mayhemrobotics.org to learn more.

A New Home for Film Class

This week marked our final class at the Sheridan Recreation Center as the facility closes for much-needed renovations. We're grateful for the time we've spent there, but we're excited to begin our next chapter!

Beginning next week, Film Class will meet at:

True Hope Church
707 N Main St
Sheridan, AR 72150

We're looking forward to settling into our new classroom and continuing to give students a place to explore filmmaking from script to screen.

What Are We Working On?

Our students are continuing to develop their skills in storytelling, acting, directing, cinematography, and editing. We're working on current film projects, developing new ideas, and preparing for our upcoming music video production. We'll also be using instructional video lessons to help newer filmmakers build foundational skills and join in with confidence.

At Film Class, students don't just learn about filmmaking—they get to do it! From planning and storyboarding to filming and post-production, they collaborate to bring creative ideas to life.

Celebrating Student Success!

We're also celebrating some exciting recognition for our filmmakers!

The Ozark Media Arts Festival updated its Instagram page this week to reflect our three-minute film's win. It's wonderful to see our students' work receiving recognition, and we're proud of the effort and creativity behind it.

We're equally proud of Jonathan's recognition as a Best Student Filmmaker. Achievements like these remind us why we encourage students to keep creating, experimenting, and telling their stories.

Come Create With Us!

Mrs. Janaun’s Film Class is more than a filmmaking class—it's a creative community where students learn together, take on new challenges, and turn their ideas into films.

We're excited for this new chapter at True Hope Church and can't wait to see what our filmmakers create next!

Sometimes, the best vacation is one that takes us away from our everyday routines and allows us to reconnect with nature and reclaim ourselves. I am typically a very scheduled person, but my recent trip frequently took me off the grid and absolutely spontaneous. We had a general itinerary, but our destinations were dependent on the weather and there was lots of weather. We had to escape torrential downpours and flooding. There were some frightening moments, but in the end, everything was fine. I am on my way back home and reflecting on the plane ride home.  Whether exploring the mountains of Arizona or visiting the beautiful national parks of Utah, traveling to a different part of the United States and off the grid gives us an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the world around us.

Spending time in nature offers so much more than relaxation. We might discover a new bird, observe a family of elks, explore a hiking trail, or simply sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the outdoors. These experiences encourage us to observe, ask questions, and become curious about things we may never have noticed before. We don’t always need a formal lesson or a classroom to learn something new. Sometimes, the best learning happens when we are simply present and paying attention to our surroundings and those around us. Talking with local residents, visiting small towns, trying regional foods, or learning about the history of an area can open our eyes to perspectives different from our own.

Keeping an open mind allows us to appreciate these differences rather than judge them. We may even discover that the things that make us different are just as valuable as the things we have in common. And what about the children who travel with us? Vacations provide wonderful opportunities for learning without the pressure of worksheets, assignments, or structured activities. Children can develop problem-solving skills while navigating a trail, build observation skills by watching wildlife, strengthen language skills by asking questions, and learn patience when things don’t go exactly as planned. They also learn by watching the adults around them. When we show curiosity, respect different perspectives, and welcome new experiences, we teach children that learning is a lifelong process. The beauty of a vacation is that we don’t have to be productive every minute. Rest is important, too! Relaxing at a campsite, watching a sunset, reading a book under a tree, waking up without an alarm, or cooking an unhurried meal on a campfire can help us recharge physically and mentally. Even during these quiet moments, our minds are processing experiences, making connections, and appreciating new surroundings.

Learning doesn’t always mean actively doing something. Sometimes, it means having the time and space to reflect. As you plan your next vacation, consider visiting somewhere unfamiliar. Choose a destination that allows you to experience nature, meet new people, and discover something you didn’t know before. You don’t need an elaborate itinerary or a packed schedule. Leave room for exploration, unexpected discoveries, and a little spontaneity. Remember, we are always learning, even when we are relaxing. The world is full of opportunities to grow, discover, and see things from a different perspective. Sometimes, stepping away from our usual routines is exactly what we need to return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and just a little wiser than when we left.

Helene Lieberman MS, OTR/L

www.blackbackhandwriting.com

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to create an educational experience that fits your child's unique needs, interests, and learning style. From hands-on science experiments to outdoor adventures and creative projects, homeschool families know that some of the most valuable learning experiences happen beyond textbooks and traditional classrooms.

But have you considered adding dance classes to your homeschool curriculum?

At Dance Arts Academy in Meridian, Idaho, we believe that dance is so much more than an extracurricular activity. It's an opportunity for children to build confidence, develop friendships, strengthen their bodies, express their creativity, and learn important life skills that will serve them long after they leave the dance floor.

Whether you're looking for homeschool physical education opportunities, social enrichment, or a creative outlet for your child, dance may be the perfect addition to your family's educational journey.

1. Dance Makes Physical Education Fun!

Physical activity is an important part of a well-rounded education, but finding engaging ways to incorporate regular exercise into your homeschool routine can sometimes be challenging.

Dance offers a fun, structured way for children to stay active while developing essential physical skills.

Through dance classes, children can improve:

• Coordination and balance: Learning new movements helps children develop body awareness and control.

• Strength and flexibility: Dance encourages healthy muscle development, mobility, and posture.

• Cardiovascular fitness: Moving to music gets hearts pumping and helps build endurance.

• Gross motor skills: Jumping, turning, skipping, and traveling across the dance floor develop important movement patterns.

• Healthy habits: Regular participation helps children discover that exercise can be something they genuinely enjoy!

The best part? Children are often having so much fun learning choreography, playing movement games, and dancing with friends that they don't even realize how much they're exercising.

For homeschool families looking to supplement their physical education activities, dance provides an engaging option that combines movement, music, and skill development.

2. Building Friendships and Finding Community

Homeschool families have many wonderful opportunities to build community through co-ops, field trips, sports, church groups, and other activities. Dance can be another meaningful place for children to connect with peers who share their interests.

At Dance Arts Academy, we often say that our studio is a home away from home, and that's exactly the environment we strive to create for every dancer.

In dance class, children learn to:

• Work together toward shared goals.

• Encourage and celebrate one another.

• Communicate and cooperate with classmates.

• Develop friendships through shared experiences.

• Feel a sense of belonging within a supportive community.

Unlike activities where children may interact only occasionally, weekly dance classes give students opportunities to develop relationships over time.

And when recital season arrives, dancers experience the excitement of working together to create something special!

For homeschool parents looking for consistent social opportunities, dance can become a highlight of their child's week.

3. Dance Reinforces Academic Learning

You might be surprised by just how much academic learning happens inside a dance classroom!

Dance naturally incorporates concepts from several traditional school subjects, making it a wonderful complement to homeschool lessons.

Math: Dancers count beats, recognize patterns, divide music into phrases, and learn sequences. Understanding rhythm and timing provides opportunities to practice mathematical thinking.

Music: Dance introduces children to tempo, rhythm, musical structure, and different styles of music. Students learn to listen carefully and respond to what they hear.

History and Culture: Different dance styles have fascinating historical and cultural roots. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and other dance forms provide opportunities to explore traditions, artistic expression, and the evolution of movement.

Language and Memory: Learning choreography requires listening, remembering sequences, understanding terminology, and following multi-step instructions.

Creative Thinking: Dance encourages children to interpret music, solve movement challenges, and explore new ways of expressing ideas.

While dance isn't a replacement for academic instruction, it can reinforce important concepts through movement and hands-on learning.

For children who learn especially well by doing, this connection between movement and education can be particularly valuable.

4. Developing Confidence and Independence

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching dance is watching a child accomplish something they once thought was impossible.

Maybe it's a shy preschooler participating independently for the first time.

Perhaps it's a beginner finally mastering a challenging step.

Or maybe it's a dancer stepping onto the stage with a huge smile after weeks of preparation.

Every one of these moments represents personal growth.

Dance gives children opportunities to step outside their comfort zones in a safe, encouraging environment.

As students progress, they learn that success comes through practice, patience, and perseverance.

They also develop confidence in their ability to learn from instructors, work independently, and try new things.

These lessons carry over into academics, relationships, and everyday life.

The goal isn't perfection. It's progress.

And celebrating that progress is something we believe in wholeheartedly at Dance Arts Academy.

5. Learning Important Life Skills Beyond the Classroom

Homeschool education is about so much more than academics. Many families place a strong emphasis on character development, responsibility, and preparing their children for life.

Dance classes can support those goals in meaningful ways.

Students practice:

• Discipline: Showing up consistently and working toward improvement.

• Respect: Listening to instructors and treating classmates with kindness.

• Perseverance: Continuing to practice when something feels difficult.

• Responsibility: Remembering dance attire, arriving prepared, and participating appropriately.

• Teamwork: Understanding that every dancer contributes to the success of the group.

• Goal setting: Working toward new skills, performances, and personal achievements.

One of the most valuable lessons dance teaches is that improvement takes time.

Children learn that they don't have to master something on the first try. They simply need to keep learning and growing.

That's a lesson worth carrying into every area of life!

6. Encouraging Creativity and Self-Expression

Every child deserves opportunities to explore their creativity.

While some children express themselves through painting, writing, or building, others discover their creative voice through movement.

Dance provides an artistic outlet where children can connect music, imagination, and physical expression.

From the storytelling of ballet to the energy of hip hop and the expressive movement of lyrical dance, different styles allow students to explore their individual interests and personalities.

For homeschool families who value the arts as part of a complete education, dance provides an opportunity to make creativity a regular part of their child's week.

And sometimes, the greatest benefit is simply the joy of dancing!

7. A Special Place to Grow at Dance Arts Academy

For 50 years, Dance Arts Academy has been helping children throughout the Treasure Valley discover a love of dance.

Since opening our doors in 1976, our mission has extended beyond teaching dance steps. We are committed to creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to become their very best.

Our philosophy centers around three important values:

Love of Dance: Helping students discover the joy of movement and artistic expression.

Feeling of Home: Creating a welcoming community where dancers and families feel they belong.

Personal Growth: Encouraging each child to build confidence, develop skills, and celebrate individual accomplishments.

We offer a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, lyrical/contemporary, and musical theater, with classes designed for different ages and experience levels.

Whether your child is trying dance for the very first time or looking to expand their skills, we would love to help them find a class where they can thrive.

Make Dance Part of Your Homeschool Journey!

Homeschooling gives families the wonderful opportunity to think creatively about education and provide experiences that nurture the whole child.

Dance can be one of those experiences.

It's physical education, creative expression, social connection, and personal development—all wrapped into an activity children can look forward to each week.

At Dance Arts Academy, we would love to welcome your homeschool family into our dance family.

Ready to see if dance is the right fit for your child?

We invite you to explore our classes and experience the Dance Arts Academy difference with a trial class!

Visit www.danceartsboise.com to learn more about our programs, or text us at 208-271-3364 to find the perfect class for your dancer.

Because some of life's most important lessons happen beyond the books—and sometimes, they happen on the dance floor!

Dance Arts Academy | Proudly serving Meridian, Boise, Kuna, Nampa, and Treasure Valley families since 1976.

Our mission is improving lives through the arts, and we welcome homeschool families looking for affordable, hands-on opportunities to make art and connect with others. Children of all ages, abilities, and learning styles are welcome, including children with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent.

Art can be part of the way your child learns. Mixing colors invites experimentation. Building a sculpture involves planning and problem-solving. Choosing materials and trying something unfamiliar gives children practice making decisions, adapting, and expressing their ideas. Sometimes, the most valuable part is having the freedom to see where an idea goes.

Our low-cost Open Studio includes materials and gives families space to explore at their own pace. There’s no expectation that everyone will make the same thing or leave with a perfect finished piece. Children can follow their curiosity, develop their own ideas, and enjoy the process of creating. Financial assistance is available when needed.

We welcome homeschool co-ops, too! If your group is looking for a shared art experience, we’re happy to work with you to arrange a session that considers your children’s ages, learning goals, interests, and individual support needs. Tell us what you have in mind, and we can discuss scheduling and affordable options for your group.

Whether you’re adding art to your homeschool week, exploring a particular topic, or looking for a place to create alongside other families, we’d love to welcome you.

Visit The Art Experience to learn more about Open Studio, or email Liz to plan a co-op visit or discuss your family’s needs.

Create • Connect • Belong

Morning: math that moves

The Robins have been counting by 5s lately. At this age, skip-counting isn’t a worksheet. It’s clapping, stepping, and chanting together until the pattern clicks. Small groups and a low adult-to-student ratio mean every child gets to try. No one hides in the back row, and no one gets left behind when the pattern gets tricky.

Language: words with a little mess involved

Reading and word work for young children should feel like play, so we make it play. This month the Robins went on a Halloween word hunt and played word games with slime. A child digging for letters in something squishy is building the same early reading skills as a child at a desk, and is having a lot more fun.

Wonder Workshop: hands-on discovery

In Wonder Workshop, the Robins carved pumpkins. It’s a classic fall activity, and it’s packed with learning. Kids predict how many seeds are inside, notice how the pumpkin looks and smells, measure, compare, and talk through what they see. The questions they ask matter as much as the answers.

Art Studio: polka-dot pumpkins

In Art Studio, the Robins made polka-dot pumpkins. Young artists practice fine motor control, pattern, and color, and they get to make choices about their own work. At RCS, art is about the process, not about making twenty identical projects for the fridge.

Nature Detectives: from garden to hand

The Robins harvested from our school garden this month. In Nature Detectives, kids learn by being outside: digging, observing, and seeing where food comes from. For many children, pulling something they helped grow out of the ground is the moment science becomes real.

Roots & Wings: growing as people

Our teacher opened one recent week with a note on kindness, and that theme carries through everything the Robins do. In Roots & Wings, children build social and emotional skills. They practice taking turns, working through frustration, and being a good friend. In a mixed-age, community-centered school, these skills get used every single day.

Out in the community

Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. The Robins have been practicing songs for Halloween caroling at a local senior community. For young children, singing for an audience builds confidence. It also teaches them that they can bring joy to others, which is one of the most important lessons we know.

What ties it all together

You may notice what’s missing from this week: long stretches of sitting still, piles of worksheets, and one-size-fits-all lessons. That’s on purpose. RCS is a progressive, parent-participation homeschool learning center for ages 5 to 12. We believe young children learn best through hands-on experiences, time outdoors, and real relationships with teachers, classmates, and the parents who help make our school run.

Each week, families get a newsletter from every class, so parents always know what their child is learning and can keep the conversation going at home.

Come see it for yourself

A week with the Robins is hard to capture in words. If you’re exploring homeschool options for your young learner, we’d love to show you around. Campus tours are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Come watch a class, meet our teachers, and picture your child here.

A tip for your visit: RCS shares an address with Roseville Community Preschool. We’re located behind the preschool, across from the fairgrounds stables.

ACTIONABLE GRADE-BAND DIRECTIVES FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS

Grades 3–5: Use "Two Stars and a Wish"
Young children can feel crushed by a page full of red marks. 

Parent & Educator Action: Deliver feedback in a predictable formula:
highlight two specific things done well, followed by one "wish." For instance: "Star 1: Your handwriting is so neat! Star 2: Your
subtraction steps were accurate. Wish: Let's double-check our unit labels on the answer."

Grades 6–8: Focus on Strategy Choice Over Raw Speed
Middle schoolers often rush to get math "over with." 

Parent & Educator Action: When reviewing their work, comment on their
method: "I really like that you drew a visual tape diagram to make sense of this word problem before computing." If an answer is
incorrect, ask: "What other tool or strategy could you test here?"

Grades 9–12: Scaffold Independent Self-Grading
High schoolers need to learn how to evaluate their own thinking. 

Parent & Educator Action: Provide an answer key that shows
step-by-step solutions, not just final numbers. Have the student take a different color pen, annotate their own work, and write a
one-sentence margin summary of any error before asking you for the solution.

EDUCATOR & PARENT TIP: Avoid empty phrases like "Good effort." Be specific: "Your written explanation in step two made your
logic completely clear and easy to follow."

MATHEMATICAL CONNECTION: When feedback focuses on strategies, learners understand that math success is about choosing
and refining methods, not magical intuition.

We wish to math SUCCESS!

The Classroom Ready Team.